City repeals tavern law

Monday night, council members voted unanimously to repeal the ordinance, established in 1982, which prohibited taverns within 350 feet not including streets and alleys of schools, churches, chapels or funeral homes. The move will allow Bichelmeyer's Steakhouse to serve beer when it opens next month. City attorney Mike Crow said taverns in the city would now fall under state laws, which also have restrictions.

Following a closed session, the council appointed Joel Stinson, 37, to fill a vacancy on the planning commission created when Chris Donnelly resigned. "I've been wanting to be a part of Tonganoxie and its growth for quite some time," he said. "We moved here because, for our children, it's the perfect atmosphere to be in. There's growth and stability, and the town itself is like a family community."

Stinson, who works as marketing director at Allen Press, Lawrence, grew up in Lawrence and attended the University of Kansas. He said that in working on the planning commission, he'd like to build on what is available.

"For instance, you have to go miles away to go to Wal-Mart and things like that," Stinson said. "I'd like to be able to bring more things like that to Tonganoxie."

He and his wife, Bernice, have three daughters, Eddie Riley, 13, Jessica Stinson, 7, and Jennifer Stinson, 7. They have lived here for six years.